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Most people have never heard of Ogden, Utah. Be honest, when you think of Utah what comes to mind? The national parks? Salt Lake City? Park City and mountains like Snowbird and Alta? What is so special about Ogden and why is it one of the top hidden gems? It’s all about location. There is a rich selection of things to do within a half hour drive of Ogden, it makes it the perfect home base for your first time visiting.
Location
So where is this mysterious city? This city in the United States is only a short drive 10 miles east of the Great Salt Lake 58 miles south of the Idaho border and 35 miles north of Salt Lake City, Ogden is a beautiful little mountain town.
Ogden is 45 miles north of Salt Lake City. The closest and best airport to fly into is the Salt Lake City international airport.
City History
Considered Utah’s 7th largest city, Ogden claims to be the oldest European settlement in Utah. Founded back in 1845 by a fur trader, it was later purchased by Mormons in 1847. Fast forward a few years and Ogden became known as a railroad town.
When prohibition came to Utah in 1917, Ogden was already known as the rebel child of Utah with gambling, shootouts, prostitution and opium dens. The city quickly became known as bootleggers with the start of speakeasys. Even Al Capone said this city was too rough for him!
Now a days, it brings in the outdoor enthusiasts and is lovingly known as on of the best ski towns with some seriously top-notch ski resorts. But wow, what a history!
Top 6 things to do during your stay
Visit the Ogden nature center
If you are into wildlife, this is a great place to visit. Home to 20 Utah-native, non-releaseable raptors as well as species of reptiles and amphibians, rabbits and more. It is meant to educate people on these animals and their importance in the environment. It has been a non-profit since 1975 and has many educational programs, opportunities to meet the animals, and 1.5 miles of walking trails along with picnic tables within the preserve.
Though a little quieter in the winter time, there is still plenty to check out, no matter what time of year you visit.
Ride some of the best powder in Utah without the crowds
Just a 35-minute bus ride (which is one of the best ways to get there) or one of the best scenic drives from Ogden will bring you to some of the best powder in the state and some of the most skiable acreage in the country.
If you are tired of the inflammatory prices of Park City, and the wait times at the mountains, check out Snowbasin resort and Powder Mountain.
Snowbasin can get busy on the weekends and has terrain for all skill levels, so try to go during the week and you won’t be disappointed. Powder Mountain is known as a local’s mountain and only allows 1,500 tickets to be sold every day. It is one of the most natural mountains I have ever been too with stunning landscapes and does not have that distinct ski mountain feel. With the low-ticket sales, you feel like you are the only one on the mountain. It’s magical.
Visit the local spa
Mountains not your thing? Or maybe you just need a day off to rest those muscles. There are a surprising number of natural spas surrounding the area. If you are looking for a more traditional spa adventure that is the perfect place that is family friendly check out Crystal Hot Springs.
This location has changing rooms and is more of a man-made style location.
If you are looking for something a bit more rugged and private you don’t have to go far. Check out Diamond Fork Canyon. It’s a short 2.5-mile hike in but worth it. Watch out in the winter time I can be difficult to access, but March to October are by far the best months to go.
Go for a hike
There are so many outdoor adventures at your fingertips outside the Ogden area, from the Wasatch mountains to Ogden Canyon, it is the perfect jumping off point for some beautiful hiking and for those who brought their mountain bikes. If you are looking for a challenge check out either Hidden Valley with it’s 2,000-ft elevation gain or do some bouldering at Castle Rock.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities that are a bit gentler, with easy access and family friendly there are many trail heads leading directly from the city proper. For something a little different check out the short but difficult well-known, man-made Waterfall Canyon Trail. If you aren’t interested in going for a hike you can get views of the waterfall directly from the road to the mountains.
Check out Antelope Island State Park
A 45-minute drive away in Davis County is Antelope Island State Park. Take a short causeway across the Great Salt Lake to the largest island in the lake and enjoy a day of hiking with beautiful scenery and wildlife watching. It’s one of the best things we did when visiting the area.
You can drive the entire island, making many stops for view points or just watch the bison grazing with the mountain perfection in the background. It’s another great way to spend a day.
Wander down Historic 25th Street
From the beginnings of the Transcontinental Railroad, where thousands of people rolled in, including bootleggers and prostitutes, to a period of time where rail travel collapsed, you can feel the history or what once was on this street in the heart of Ogden.
Gas lamp style, live music, brewpubs like roosters brewing co. and Ogden River Brewing, great local food, and old-style buildings it’s a great place to check out. It is home to the Ogden Farmers Market in the summer and many festivals such as each month’s Friday Art Stroll, Harvest Moon Celebration, Witchstock, and the Wasatch Yeti Bash. Downtown Ogden is very accessible with lots to check out, even outside the historic 25th street, so make sure to spend some time just wandering around.
Concluding Thoughts
Ogden has so much to offer and is off the radar to most as the masses are drawn to the Mighty 5 National Parks in the summer and Park City in the winter. But take the path less taken and hang with the locals in a city steeped in rough and tumble history. There are plenty of reasonably priced hotels within walking distance to Historic 25th Street and the bus stops that will take you to the mountains.
